Pub Of The Week: The George and Dragon, Wentworth

The George and Dragon

Wentworth – the village to the great estate that surrounded the great house of Wentworth Woodhouse – is a pretty little community, rather reminiscent of a community in the Cotswolds than one in South Yorkshire.

The George and Dragon has been here for centuries, is stone built and, inside, rambles over many levels, up and down steps, and into many nooks and crannies.

It also has an impressive menu – not so much in size, but in quality; even the lunchtime sandwiches come beautifully presented. For evening and lunchtime meals, it would be well wise to book in advance.

Hats off to the George for being proud supporters of local breweries – there are at least eight real ales at the bar (as well as a fine selection of whiskies).

The walls are decorated with dozens of sepia prints – there’s one particularly poignant one of the young Viscount Milton, the heir to the title of Earl Fitzwilliam, at his first hunt meeting, dated 1913.

A century later, the title has disappeared, the Viscount is in his grave, the house stripped of its contents, and the magnificent gardens flattened. What a century can do – but happily for us, the George soldiers cheerfully on.

Ample parking, seating on the terrace by the ancient front door, cheery staff, and a “lived in but much-loved” look, this has to be one of the gems of the pub trade hereabouts.